African Tribal Art

Bamun Ceramic and Ivory Pipe

Culture: Bamun
Origin: Cameroon
Period: Early 20th century
Object: Pipe
Materials: Ceramic, Ivory
Dimensions: 34.9 cm long × 11.2 cm high
Catalogue: TRB-132

A large ceramic pipe with a carved ivory mouthpiece, from the Bamun (Bamum) and Tikar region of Cameroon. The bowl is modelled as a male face whose puffed cheeks signify strength and dominance, and incised lines across the face represent scarification.

Provenance

Private S.S. collection, Los Angeles, California.

Acquired

Artemis Fine Arts · 2024